MIDDLESBROUGH'S parks are to return to normal summer opening hours from Monday.

The change will also see the re-opening of the car park at Stewart Park.

The town's parks have been subject to both closure and varied opening hours during the coronavirus outbreak with the aim of keeping Middlesbrough residents safe while the town has had one of the highest rates of infection.

While opening hours will revert to normal, a number of changes remain.

Children's play parks and equipment will remain out of bounds and fenced off. Visitors are also reminded that social distancing must still be maintained. Nationwide rules continue to apply and the parks will be monitored by council street wardens.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "It's great to see some things getting back to a kind of normality. We've got to remain careful and cautious and aware the virus is out there it will spread - socially distance and be safe.

"I'm seeing loads of positive stuff going on and feel confident that we can face the challenges ahead with optimism."